MONT ALTO – For any athlete, no greater feeling exists than performing at peak levels in front of family and friends. On Tuesday night, Siele Johnson's contribution to Penn State Mont Alto's biggest men's basketball victory of the season was a single bucket and single rebound in 13 minutes of action.

What the box score doesn't reveal, however, is the spark the freshman guard and former CD East standout ignited in the opening half, or his pressing defensive work that helped land coach Jack Schenzel his 20th win in 24 games this season.

There were bonuses, too, like Mont Alto overcoming a tight shooting night to slap PSUAC-power and rival York with its first conference loss, 70-66, and having Siele's older brother, Raikwon, in the packed house to view it all.

“My brother is one of the main reasons why I don't take anything for granted. He can't walk. He can't talk. He has disabilities,” said Siele, whose brother is stricken with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects the brain and nervous system.

“I see my abilities to be as vast as I can make them. I just think its a beautiful thing to have people to support me like my team does. We truly are a family here. I'm proud to be here.”

“Ball for Raikwon” was an idea hatched by Schenzel more than a month ago. All proceeds from Tuesday's sale of green T-shirts and silent auction items will directly benefit The Arc of Dauphin County, a nonprofit devoted to making a difference in the lives of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Schenzel and his players also got a chance to honor Raikwon, giving him a signed basketball in a short pre-game ceremony.

“It's more important for Ray, to show that there is stuff out there for kids like him, to be appreciated,” said Shanan Johnson, Raikwon and Siele's father. “That's what the coach and university did, show their appreciation for my son. Obviously my other son plays for his team, but [Schenzel] didn't have to do this. He went out of his way.”

Mom Fannie Johnson admitted her family, which included Shanan's parents on this special night, doesn't get the opportunity to see as many of Siele's games as she would like.

Raikwon, who also suffers from epilepsy, is confined to a wheelchair and requires 24-hour care. Games routinely start around 8 p.m., so traveling more than 100 miles round-trip can take a toll.

“I'm pleased the coach took timeout to look out for us. Raikwon lights up when he sees his brother,” said Fannie. “He loves his brother. They have a real tight relationship.”

These days, Siele cherishes every chance to perform in front of his big brother. There were difficult times growing up, but Raikwon's disorder caused Siele to mature a lot faster than most 18-year-olds.

“When I was young I really didn't understand. I just had to work with how my mother and father were raising us. I had a brother that I couldn't go outside and play with. I couldn't talk to my brother about my problems,” Siele said.

View full sizeMembers of PSU Mont Alto's men's basketball team sport "Ball for Raikwon" shirts during warm-ups Tuesday. The host side clipped rival PSU York 70-66, handing York its first conference loss of the season. PennLive/Eric Epler

“I kind of felt like I was on my own a lot, but that helped me grow up at a younger age. I started to realize that I had to be more responsible. I started doing things like cleaning up the house. I started to clean up my brother and raising him in ways that mom and dad couldn't do.”

Siele's experience and understanding has made him an advocate of sorts when it comes to helping others in need. He's also pursuing a career in physical therapy.

“Ray has a lot of struggles, but he's been triumphant through everything. And Siele has gone above and beyond,” said Linda Jones, a very proud grandmother. “Siele's dedication to his brother and his studies is incredible. He wants to be a therapist so he can keep up with Ray's condition.”

For now, Siele's best gift to Raikwon, who is set to graduate from CD East in June, is more top performances on the hardwood. Raikwon's two favorite things, according to his mother, are basketball and music. Siele and his teammates put on a pretty good show Tuesday night.

“He came to the most important game thus far and we won,” Siele said. “It's extremely important to me. I love when my brother comes to watch me play.”